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This channel is for talking about retro games. [+..••]
(Especially Japanese version games)
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• Set in 2048, youngest Special A-Class Strider Hiryu must assassinate the world-ruling Grandmaster Meio. This 1989 arcade hit features a unique near-future ninja setting.
• The game features acrobatic action like sliding and climbing walls/ceilings using a sickle. The plasma sword "Cypher" offers high-speed, satisfying rapid-fire attacks.
• Iconic characters include the cool Hiryu, Solo, and the Ton Pooh sisters. The game utilized multilingual voice samples (JP, EN, CN) for a cinematic atmosphere.
• The Japanese version features Hiryu’s "Hah!" voice, which was cut abroad. The NES version features a different story and exploration-heavy design.
• Praised for its revolutionary presentation, it featured cinematic BGM shifts and fluid animations. It won multiple awards for its high production and direction.
• Powerful robotic "options" like the tiger and hawk assist Hiryu, providing an incredible sense of power and speed that defines the super-human Strider experience.
• Some noted that the final boss, Grandmaster, is unexpectedly easy to defeat compared to the intense stages, often defeated by simple overlapping attacks.
• Early arcade versions suffered from a BGM bug where Stage 1's music repeated later. High-quality ports like the Mega Drive version famously restored the soundtrack.
• Hiryu gained immense popularity through the Marvel vs. Capcom crossover series. The franchise includes sequels like Strider 2 and a 2014 3D-styled reboot.
• As a masterpiece of 2D action, it influenced franchises. It remains a legendary title for its style and innovation.
Wizard Dana explores the subterranean "Constellation Space" to retrieve the magical book "Solomon's Key" and seal away demons accidentally released into the world.
Players control Dana; collect Fairies for 1UPs, rescue Princess Lihita, and face various enemies like Goblins, Dragons, and fire-breathing Panel Monsters.
Use "Kanseki no Jutsu" to create or destroy blocks for paths or shields. Use limited fireballs and manage LIFE, which acts as a countdown timer for each stage.
Known as "Fire 'n Ice" (sequel) in NA. In Japan, the SMS version added a subtitle and FM sound, while arcade and FC versions were developed for simultaneous launch.
Highly praised for its deep "logic and action" balance, smooth controls, and satisfying difficulty where every stage is solvable through creative block usage.
The GDV (Game Deviation Value) system is flawed because the score factor is capped at a low 500,000 points, making it irrelevant for measuring expert player skill.
A polished masterpiece of its era, combining unique creative mechanics with a "trial and error" process that remains engaging and complete for modern players.
• Legacy of the Wizard(Dragon Slayer IV) is an ARPG where the Worzen family must collect four Crowns and the Dragon Slayer sword to defeat the dragon Dilgyos.
• The family consists of Zemn (Dad), Mayna (Mom), Roas (Son), Lyll (Daughter), and Pochi (Pet), each having unique abilities like flying, breaking blocks, or moving rocks.
• Players choose one member at home to explore a non-linear dungeon. Survival depends on managing LIFE and MAGIC while using character-specific items to clear obstacles.
• The Western NES version is titled Legacy of the Wizard. Character names differ (e.g., Royas/Roas), and it is the version included in modern Namco collections.
• The game features masterful level design that emphasizes character roles and a highly acclaimed soundtrack by legends like Yuzo Koshiro and Mieko Ishikawa.
•Its high difficulty, lack of mini-maps, and cryptic progression often frustrated younger players who were unfamiliar with complex PC-style exploration games.
• Long, error-prone hiragana passwords made saving difficult, and the "Scroll" item can actually reduce damage output due to the game's hit detection mechanics.
• Roas is the only one who can slay the final boss, yet he is often seen as "useless" because he can't do much until all four Crowns are collected.
• While challenging and at times unforgiving, it is regarded as a well-crafted "hidden gem" that successfully blended action and intricate puzzle-solving.
• Released by Taito in 1985, this action game follows Iga ninja Kage as he rescues Princess Kiri from Yoshiro Yukigusa's demon army in the late Edo period.
• Key figures include the ninja Kage, the captured Princess Kiri, fire-breathing monks, and the villainous demon leader Yoshiro Yukigusa.
• The system features superhuman high jumps, a shortsword for defense/melee, and shurikens. Players climb trees and walls to reach the enemy castle.
• Known as "The Legend of Kage" abroad, The NES version reached North America in 1987.
• Praised for its speedy ninja action and high-quality Japanese-style BGM by Hisayoshi Ogura, which perfectly captures a stylish ninja atmosphere.
• Opinions are split on the repetitive cycle of Princess Kiri being rescued and immediately kidnapped again, which occurs several times per gameplay loop.
• A major issue is the rigid jumping controls; players cannot adjust their trajectory mid-air, often leading to unavoidable deaths from enemy projectiles.
• Overall, it is a representative Taito classic from the 1980s, still beloved for its unique speed and stylish portrayal of superhuman ninja combat.
• Sorcerian is the 5th Dragon Slayer game, a 1987 action-RPG by Nihon Falcom. It features high freedom through its modular episodic scenario system.
• The game features 15 scenarios playable in any order. These range from standard dungeon crawls to mystery-solving and horror-themed tasks.
• Players create up to 10 characters from 4 races: Fighter, Wizard, Elf, and Dwarf. They journey together in a party of four, wielding attacks and magic.
• Characters have 60+ daily jobs affecting stats and income during downtime. They age over time, eventually dying of old age unless generations are shifted.
• Spells are attached to equipment, created by combining 7 elemental "stars". This complex system offers over 100 magical effects for combat and utility.
• Sierra published an English MS-DOS version in 1990. Japan had many unique ports, while the overseas PC version stayed closer to the original PC-98 edition.
• The game is praised for its immense volume via expansion packs and iconic FM synth music. Its "Sorcerian System" pioneered the concept of modular expansions.
• Critics noted simple arcade-style combat and limite. Aging can feel restrictive, as characters may die before reaching their full potential.
• Many remakes exist, including Sorcerian Forever and Windows versions.
• A hidden immortality trick was popular but later penalized by developers. It remains a cult classic that inspired creators like Hideki Kamiya.
• Released in 1983 for Atari 8-bit and brought to NES (Famicom) by Irem in 1985 , Spelunker follows an explorer navigating deep caves to find legendary treasure at the bottom while overcoming various hazards.
• The protagonist is famously fragile, MISSing from falling just 14 dots (less than his 16-dot height), reflecting the developer's real-life mining experiences.
• Players manage an energy-based time limit while using limited dynamite, flares, and a phantom blaster (or portable fan) to bypass obstacles and enemies.
• The Famicom version by Irem is notoriously harder than the Western originals, which allowed falling from higher distances without immediate MISS.
• Despite its difficulty, the game rewards pixel-perfect precision. Mastering the controls offers a high sense of achievement, making it a "MISS-and-learn" pioneer.
• Criticisms include the notorious rope jump difficulty and screen-by-screen scrolling, which can lead to accidental MISSes when entering a new screen area.
• While random ghost appearances provide unpredictable excitement, they can feel unfair when appearing during delicate maneuvers like rope climbing.
• The franchise expanded into sequels like Spelunker II and modern titles like Spelunker HD and Spelunker Party!, often featuring multiplayer modes.
• The term "spelunker" implies a casual explorer. The game's fragility birthed the meme "Spelunker Constitution" for athletes who are easily injured.
• Often labeled a "kusoge" (crap game) by casuals, it is a cult classic for dedicated fans who appreciate its challenging and strategic gameplay.
• Pilots Red Baron and Blue Max protect Birdland from the Mecha-Zukin army in this horizontal shooter featuring bird characters. It was released by Namco in 1985.
• Unlike most shooters, the screen scrolls to the left. Players must destroy specific targets like battleships or factories before landing at the base to clear missions.
• Biplanes tilt when moving up or down, changing shot directions to straight or diagonal. This mimics realistic flight and requires unique aiming skills.
• The "Loop" button offers temporary invincibility and allows players to get behind enemies. Performing a loop during landing grants a special score bonus.
• Players must pick up bombs to destroy targets. Carrying a bomb disables the "Loop" maneuver, making the plane vulnerable during high-stakes bombing runs.
• Being hit causes the plane to spin toward the ground. Players can recover by mashing buttons before impact, though frequent hits make recovery harder.
• It was Namco's first title with 2-player simultaneous play. Teammates can cooperate by shooting a spinning ally to help them recover faster from a hit.
• The game features a pop aesthetic and catchy music by Junko Ozawa. Playful secrets include shooting girls to turn them into "poo" or finding hidden flags.
• Despite cute art, difficulty is high due to back-attacks and slow speed. Failing to pull up immediately at takeoff results in an instant crash.
• The sequel Sky Kid DX added stages and FM sound. The BGM is a popular baseball cheer, and the recovery mechanic inspired the game SkyGunner.
• A 1988 NES(Famicm) action-platformer and the third entry in the Babylonian Castle Saga, serving as a prequel to the classic The Tower of Druaga.
• Priestess Ki braves the 100-floor tower alone to recover the Blue Crystal Rod stolen by the demon Druaga, seeking to save her lover, Prince Gilgamesh.
• Protagonist Ki uses a magic tiara for flight. Goddess Ishtar provides stage hints, and the dragon Quox assists Ki by warping her between floors.
• Players must find keys to exit levels. The game features unique "floaty" jump physics and heavy inertia inspired by the arcade title Major Havoc.
• Originally released only in Japan for the Famicom, the game is officially known internationally by its English title, The Quest of Ki.
• The game is praised for its beautiful character graphics, high-quality BGM by Junko Ozawa, and a rewarding sense of mastery over its unique controls.
• Major issues include a mandatory "bad ending," the lack of a save or password system, and some unpredictable enemy spawns that feel unfair to players.
• The extreme difficulty of the 40 "Special Stages" (floors 61–100) is polarizing, demanding pixel-perfect precision that frustrates many.
• Floor 98 is legendary for its extreme difficulty, famously taking comedian Shinya Arino many hours to clear on the TV show GameCenter CX.
• First released in 1995, this is a roguelike RPG series set in a unique feudal Japan-inspired world. It is the flagship of the Mystery Dungeon franchise.
• Shiren and Koppa travel to the summit of Table Mountain. They seek a legendary "Sunlit Land" where a Golden Condor is said to live.
• The silent ronin Shiren travels with a talking weasel named Koppa. They are joined by allies like the sisterly Oryu and clumsy Pekeji.
• Players navigate randomly generated floors using turn-based moves. Dying causes the player to lose all levels and items, requiring a fresh start.
• The series debuted in the West in 2008 via a Nintendo DS remake. Overseas box art depicts Shiren as a fierce warrior rather than a smiling one.
• Praised for high replayability and deep strategy using "Melding Jars" for synthesis. The music utilizes East Asian instruments like shakuhachi.
• Its extreme difficulty is both a praised highlight and a source of frustration. Some monsters have "unfair" skills like Gaze's hypnosis.
• Late-game balance makes defense more vital than attack power. Certain item combinations, like specific jar effects, can trivialize the game's challenge.
•It is considered the foundation of the console roguelike genre in Japan. Its most passionate fans are known as "Shi-Rangers".
• A sequel to "Ninja-kun: Adventure in the Demon Castle," this action game involves conquering over 31 diverse stages to defeat your nemesis, Ashura. A Famicom version was released the year after the arcade version.
• Using two buttons, you can perform a variety of ninja-like moves, such as wall climbing and triple jumps. The game's physics engine also allows for harsh behavior, such as being knocked unconscious if you fail to land properly after falling from a height.
• Enemies are equipped with "thinking AI" that allows them to jump to avoid the player's attacks and react by reading their movements. This "anti-pattern" design, which does not allow for fixed patterns, is still highly praised today.
• Upon clearing training stages, you can obtain bombs and homing shurikens, which can be switched depending on the situation. Bombs, in particular, are important weapons for conquering difficult stages, such as targeting enemies through walls.
• The melancholic "tear-jerking" background music is one of the most popular. The visual and audio aspects are also elaborate, with a synthesized voice saying "Ukya-kya" when a stage is cleared and a palette effect in which the water surface becomes darker the deeper you dive.
• Porting company Micronics' strategy of "slowing the frame rate and cramming in all the elements" paid off, resulting in a well-made port with little degradation. The FC sound source and background music also work extremely well together.
• The high level of difficulty keeps you on your toes from the very first level, with level 4 in particular said to be "beginner-killing."
• There's an anecdote that the arcade version was mass-produced while still in development to raise funds. Furthermore, the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System version was repeatedly delayed, which, for better or worse, allowed it to avoid competition with Dragon Quest III.
• You can enjoy the complete port on the "Arcade Archives." Its unique inertia and tactics against enemies make it a beloved landmark that had a major influence on later action games.
• An action RPG released by Konami for the Famicom in 1987, set in a dark, far-future Japan in the year 14672 AD, known for its unique "Demon Age" setting.
• Fūma, the youngest of the Getsu brothers, must travel to the depths of Hell to avenge his brothers and reclaim three Pulse Blades stolen by the demon lord Ryūkotsuki.
• Features protagonist Fūma and his nemesis Ryūkotsuki, along with three major boss demons: Dokugan-Dokuzu, Kyōkotsu-Gyūgai, and Ryūtō-Kibi, who guard the blades.
• Blends top-down map navigation with 2D side-scrolling action and pseudo-3D dungeon crawling, featuring RPG elements like experience-based sword power and health.
• Originally a Japan-exclusive title, it finally reached global audiences via a port included in the 2022 sequel's digital deluxe edition.
• Highly praised for its technical prowess, featuring 64x64 giant character sprites, cinematic cutscenes, and an iconic soundtrack by Hidenori Maezawa.
• The game faced controversy for its strong resemblance to Namco's Genpei Tōma Den, and the "Magic Top" item is often viewed as a game-breakingly powerful tool.
• PCritiqued for a tedious 16-character password system that requires a game over to access, and the repetitive need to re-equip items after every action stage.
• SA beloved cult classic known for its "lenticular" box art. It remains a technical marvel of its era despite its difficult mechanics and controversial origins.
• This is the second SNES(SFC) game, released by Konami in 1993. It featured stronger elements of pure side-scrolling action, and established the unique worldview of a "comical sci-fi period drama" that would continue into later series.
• While traveling in the Ryukyu Islands, Goemon and his friends are visited by Sasuke, who tells them that a foreigner named McGinness is converting Edo Castle into a flying fortress and plotting to conquer Japan. The group pursues him in the giant mecha "Goemon Impact" to save Japan.
• Sasuke joins Goemon and Ebisumaru for the first time. The giant mecha "Goemon Impact" also makes its debut, establishing high-speed driving and spectacular boss battles from a 3D perspective as staple elements of the series.
• This game introduces a stage selection system based on a world map. Two-player gameplay features a rich cooperative element, with attacks strengthened by the "piggyback" position. New elements have also been added, such as the ability to steal and control enemy vehicles.
• Although this title has not yet been released outside of Japan, it has received extremely high praise in overseas gaming magazines, rated as "the best cooperative action game for the SNES(Super Famicom)." Its unique worldview, sound, and excellent controls were praised.
• Compared to the previous game, items are cheaper and stages can be replayed, improving gameplay ease. The diverse backgrounds, featuring Japanese food and toys, and the high-quality Japanese rock music were also highly praised.
• The emphasis on top-down maps has been reduced in favor of a world map format reminiscent of the Mario series, which fans at the time felt was diluting the game's traditional character.
• Impact battles have a strict time limit due to constantly decreasing fuel, making them difficult and stressful. Changing characters requires a reset, and the overall gameplay has been criticized as lacking in content.
• Numerous Konami characters, such as Simon, make guest appearances. The game also saw active media mixes at the time, with a manga serialized in Comic Bonbon and the inclusion of reader-submitted characters.
• This masterpiece combines ease of play tailored for everyone with a fantastical worldview that blends Japanese and sci-fi elements. Due to the success of this game, elements such as impact battles determined the direction of the series that followed.
• Contra III The Alien War (Contra Spirits) (1992) is a legendary SNES "Destroy Action" title, serving as the first original home console sequel to the arcade series with flashy effects.
• In 2636, Earth faces a massive alien invasion. Six months later, elite warriors Bill and Lance emerge in the ruined city to launch a desperate counteroffensive.
• 1P Bill and 2P Lance are modeled after movie icons. US versions renamed them Jimbo and Sully, while EU versions featured robotic characters called Probotectors.
• Players carry two weapons and use bombs for screen-wide attacks. Stages alternate between traditional side-scrolling and hardware-intensive rotating top-view modes.
• Known as Contra III in NA and Super Probotector in EU. These versions feature different dialogue, localized story settings, and altered character designs.
• The game masterfully uses SNES's scaling and rotation for cinematic scenes, like jumping between missiles in Stage 4, backed by a high-quality soundtrack.
• Rotating top-view stages demonstrate technical power, but the intense screen movement and unique control scheme can cause motion sickness or confusion for some.
• In-game scores are hidden, making extra life timing unclear. Later bosses are notoriously difficult, though a "30 lives" cheat exists to assist new players.
• "Contra" refers to masters of guerrilla warfare. This masterpiece blends serious action with over-the-top spectacle, representing Konami's technical peak on the SNES.
• An amateur flight simulator series debuted in 1990, designed to showcase Nintendo's hardware capabilities like the SNES's Mode 7 rotation and scaling.
• Players join the Flight Club to obtain their license, but a top-secret mission is revealed in the ending.
• Features four unique instructors like the strict Tobe Kuroda and kind Ran Shiraishi, who offer diverse reactions based on the player's flight performance.
• Includes events like light plane, skydiving, rocket belt, and hang gliding, emphasizing realistic flight sensations through smooth 3D-like visuals.
• Released as a launch title for SNES (1991 US/1992 EU) and N64; the series consistently served as a technical showcase for new Nintendo hardware.
• Highly praised for revolutionary 3D graphics, immersive music by Koji Kondo, and pioneering the "real-style" simulator genre for home consoles.
• Fans enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and humor, though some criticize technical limits like the inability to perform plane rolls or lack of 3D depth on the ground.
• The game uses a fixed password system instead of battery backup, and landing precision scores can feel unrealistic by only tracking the final coordinates.
• Originally titled "Dragonfly," its shocking ending with the club was actually a secret training facility.
• 1993 real-time tactical RPG by Quest and the first Ogre Battle Saga entry (Chapter 5). It successfully blended RTS and RPG elements on the SNES.
• You lead the Liberation Army to overthrow the Zeteginean Empire, ruled by the corrupted Empress Endora and the dark mage Rashidi, to restore peace.
• Players customize the "Opinion Leader" protagonist. Key allies include Lans, Warren, and Canopus, who join you to reclaim the continent from tyranny.
• Organize up to 10 units with 5 members each. Movement on the map is real-time, while battles are automated based on formation and chosen tactics.
• The Chaos Frame system tracks popular support, while ALI/CHA stats affect class changes and endings, demanding strategic moral choices.
• Tarot Cards: Liberating towns grants Tarot cards, which can be used during battle for powerful magical effects or permanent stat boosts for units.
• Overseas, the title includes "The March of the Black Queen." The PS version by Atlus USA added mid-stage saves and adjusted text boxes.
• Highly praised for its orchestral score by Sakimoto/Iwata and deep strategy, though some found the Chaos Frame management overly strict and complex.
• Named after Queen songs, it influenced "Tactics Ogre" and "FF Tactics." Nintendo provided significant support to boost this new IP's success.
•Released in 1988 by Tecmo, this Famicom title is the second "Tecmo Theater" entry, famous for its revolutionary "Cinema DISP." cutscenes and high difficulty.
• Ryu Hayabusa travels to America following his father's last wish, meeting Dr. Smith and fighting the Jaquio cult to stop the ancient demon Jashin's revival.
• Ryu is supported by CIA agent Irene Lew and archaeologist Dr. Smith. He remains an iconic hero, appearing in the Dead or Alive and Warriors series.
• The game features katana combat and energy-based Ninja Arts. Wall-clinging and jumping define its agile movement, though knockback makes it highly technical.
• Titled Ninja Ryukenden in Japan and Ninja Gaiden in NA. The NA version of III was harder, featuring limited continues and increased damage.
• Its cinematic storytelling set a new industry standard for consoles. The BGM is highly acclaimed, particularly the iconic track "Senretsu no Ryu".
• The extreme challenge is polarizing; it offers massive satisfaction for "death game" fans, but the trial-and-error nature can be frustrating for others.
• It is infamous for merciless 1-dot enemy respawns and a brutal final stage where losing to the boss sends players back to the very start of level 6-1.
• Following the NES trilogy, the series was revived in 2004. A new entry, Ninja Gaiden 4 is scheduled for release in October 2025.
• The line "Ono re Jaquio!" remains legendary. The game is a milestone in action history, blending cinematic narrative, music, and demanding gameplay.
• Released in 1984, Pac-Land is a pioneering horizontal scrolling platformer by Namco that shifted the series from maze-chasing to a vibrant animated adventure.
• Pac-Man embarks on a journey to return a lost fairy hidden in his hat to Fairyland, then uses magic shoes to fly back home to his family.
• It features a unique three-button control scheme; players tap buttons to build speed and jump higher based on their current momentum and acceleration.
• Alongside the classic ghosts, a purple ghost named Sue appears. In recent versions, his family consists of Pac-Mom and Pac-Sis due to legal reasons.
• The North American version uses designs from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, while the Japanese version is modeled after original Namco marketing art.
• Critics praised its colorful graphics, smooth animations, and influence on the genre, including inspiring the creator of Super Mario Bros..
• While the unique controls were innovative, they were also polarizing and difficult for some players to master compared to traditional joysticks.
• The game is noted for its high difficulty, especially the "spinning logs" in the Famicom port, which required extremely precise jump timing.
• It has been ported to many systems like the PC Engine and Famicom, and its influence lives on through Pac-Man's moves and stages in Super Smash Bros..
• The game is famous for its hidden features, such as pushing obstacles to find helmets, and its use of the "7650" bonus point value as a pun on "Namco".
